The origins of Chinese kung fu are traced to self-defense needs, hunting activities and military training in ancient China. Hand to hand combat and weapons practice were important components in the training of Chinese soldiers. From this beginning, Chinese kung fu proceeded to
incorporate different philosophies and ideas into its practice—expanding its purpose from self-defense to health maintenance and finally as method of self cultivation. In return, influence of kung fu ideals can be found in poetry, fiction, and film. Chinese kung fu are now an integral element of Chinese culture.
Shaolin Kung Fu and Shaolin Temple
Shaolin Kung Fu are well known at home and abroad. The original purpose of Shaolin shadowboxing is health keeping, treating illness, protecting famous mountains, safeguarding ancient temples, self-defense, and repulsing enemies. It boasts of diversified patterns, plain forms, and rich internal and external work. The general style of Shaolin shadowboxing can be summarized as high value for actual combat with exquisite techniques. It emphasizes both quiet course and feat of strength. It can conserve strength instantly and let it out several times stronger than the original conservation. With such unique features, Shaolin shadowboxing is well known at home and abroad.
Shaolin Kung Fu comprise of shadowboxing, armed combat, free combat, hitting vital point, and grappling.
Shaolin Temple
Shaolin Temple is also very famous for the Shaolin Kung Fu. Shaolin Temple is located at the foot of Yufeng Peak at Dengfeng County of Henan Province in South China. It was built up in the 19th ruling year of Emperor Xiao Wen in North Wei Dynasty. According to record, Shaolin Temple was originally constructed in the period of Southern and Northern Dynasties.
Others types of Chinese Kongfu:
Qi G
ong
"Qi Gong" (literally "breath exercise"),is an invaluable component of traditional Chinese medicine that has its origin in ancient times. Its primary stimulus was the search for longevity with the ultimate aim of immortality, which has so entranced the Chinese mind for centuries. The records shows the exercises to help the "qi" (the human body's vital energy) circulating freely and to nourish the internal organs dated to the Shang Dynasty (16th-11th centuries B.C.). The actual practice of "qigong" began in the fourth century A.D. Since then the search by physician and patient for greater health, techniques of religious cultivation and the martial artist's quest for better training methods all contributed greatly to its development and enrichment over the following centuries. The Taoist, Buddhist, Confucian, Medical and Martial schools of practice developed.
Taiji
Taiji (太極) is a state of being from Tao and Wuji. It is a state of absolute, and of infinite potentiality. In Tao Te Ching, Tao manifeste
d as One, which is Taiji. In a Taoist guidance book, the same verse was amplified as out of Tao came Taiji, which then split into yin and yang or Two Aspects, yin and yang slitting into the Four Realms, Wu xing the Five Elements, and from there the world was created.
Taiji was a state in which the world became intelligible before creation. Taiji may be equated to the One, Oneness, Unity, as in attaining One or Unity (得一) and as stated in the Tao Te Ching.
Famous Kungfu Actors
There are many world-famous martial arts actors such as Bruce Lee, who is regarded as the 'King of Kungfu' as well as a great film star. Jet Li, a super star of martial arts, has successfully developed many Kungfu figures in a number of blockbusters. Jackie Chan is noted for his outstanding kungfu skills in the film industry at home and abroad. People can really marvel at and admire the charm of Chinese martial arts from their marvellous works.
The Beijing Olympic organizing committee have announced the exciting news that Martial Arts will be included in the list of competitions at the Beijing Olympics.